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Shut Off Water Supply — Turn Off Water Supply

Beginner4 hours

Part of project

How to Replace a Kitchen Sink Faucet · Step 2 of 10

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Reach under the pedestal sink and locate the hot and cold water shutoff valves. Turn the handles clockwise until they are fully closed to stop the flow of water to the faucet.

Goal: Prevent water flow

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FAQs

What specialized tools are essential for replacing a kitchen faucet, especially for a beginner?

A basin wrench (like the TEKTON or Husky models listed) is crucial for reaching and loosening nuts in tight spaces under the sink. An adjustable wrench is also a must-have for supply lines. A sturdy bucket will catch drips and keep your workspace clean.

What's the most critical safety step before I start, and what should I do if old connections are corroded and won't loosen?

Always turn off the water supply to the sink, either at the shut-off valves under the sink or the main house valve. If connections are stuck, apply penetrating oil, let it sit, and use a basin wrench with steady pressure. Avoid excessive force to prevent stripping or damaging pipes.

The project estimates 4 hours, but I'm a complete beginner. Is this realistic, and what could make it take longer?

For a complete beginner, it's wise to budget 6-8 hours. Old, corroded parts, extremely tight working spaces, or unexpected plumbing issues can significantly extend the installation time. Don't rush; taking your time prevents costly mistakes.

After installing the new faucet, I'm noticing drips or leaks. What are the most common culprits I should check?

First, ensure all water supply lines are securely tightened to the faucet and the shut-off valves, but don't overtighten plastic nuts. Next, check if the mounting nuts under the sink are snug and that the faucet's base gasket is properly seated and compressed against the sink surface, preventing leaks from above.

Transcript
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So everything is tight and there is nothing fun about any of this. But the first thing we're going to want to do is get the water shut off. And I'm going to get the hot shut off over on the other side. Okay, all of our water shut off.

Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.